Pedestal Support Seat Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A pedestal support seat apparatus and method of use is disclosed that has disassembled and assembled states positioned adjacent to a surface includes a planar element having a lengthwise axis, a lengthwise side edge portion, and an oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion that define a planar element width. The planar element also has an end edge portion and an opposing end edge portion that define a planar element length. The planar element being substantially flexible between the oppositely disposed end edge portions and relatively substantially inflexible between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions. Also included is an end member that is sized and configured to removably engage the lengthwise side edge portion in the assembled state to form a substantially cylindrically shaped structure of the planar element defining an interior separate from an exterior environment, with the opposing lengthwise side edge portion adjacent to the surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for collecting refuse that can also be used as a seat. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of lightweight portable apparatus that have a disassembled state and an assembled state that are adapted to be used as a toilet or seat in the assembled state. Wherein the present invention can be shipped to an area that has a need for the toilet/seat combination apparatus that can be used permanently or be disposed after use.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Typically, at preplanned outdoor events the traditional portable toilet enclosure is utilized by placing multitudes of the portable toilet enclosures side by side that are maintained by cleaning crews with specially equipped trucks having refuse vacuums and spray cleaning nozzles. However, in situations of emergencies, wherein utilities are lost such as gas, water, and electricity resulting in the use of a convention water flush toilet becoming impossible, alternative toilet facilities need to be provided. However, in the case of an emergency such as natural or manmade disasters that would include hurricanes, tornados, flooding, and the like, the above described traditional portable toilet enclosures are usually not quickly available due to insufficient quantities that are stocked at a particular location in addition to the problems of the logistics of trucking in the portable toilet enclosures due to the loss of roads, fuel availability, and the like, which also leads into the problem of maintaining the traditional portable toilet enclosures adequately without trucking transportation. This results in a need for a portable lightweight toilet apparatus that is easily deployable and readily available. Additionally, in leisure type activities such as traveling, camping, back packing, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, certain types of outdoor sporting events, and the like the use of the traditional portable toilet enclosure is usually not an option, thus bringing up the need for a lightweight portable toilet apparatus and the need for a seat due to a number of the aforementioned activities requiring an individual to be on their feet or stand for long periods of time which can be fatiguing.

The need for portable toilets has been well recognized in the prior art, as the traditional portable toilet enclosure has been previously discussed, the focus of this prior art review will be upon the lightweight portable type toilets that do not typically have an enclosure to minimize their bulk and weight for enhanced portability. The more popular lightweight portable toilets utilize construction by foldable flat sheet materials such as cardboard, corrugated board, paperboard, and fiberboard, wherein these foldable flat sheet materials have been attached to one another by glue, staples, hole and tab arrangements, tape, and stitching, in some cases from a single foldable flat pattern layout. A common problem with the currently available lightweight portable toilets is the complex and time consuming assembly required with the attendant problem of pier or pedestal strength to accommodate a heavy individual (250+pounds) sitting down hard on the toilet resulting in a deacceleration loading in addition to the dead weight (250+pounds) loading that is supported by a flat folded cardboard side which is typically not that strong. Most everyone has experienced this cardboard box pedestal strength problem at one time or another by attempting to stand on a cardboard box to reach something and having the cardboard box collapse beneath them from a flat side cardboard panel buckling, typically in the middle section of the flat panel, as the corners of the box sides are stronger by having a higher area moment of inertia from the ninety degree fold in the cardboard material. In addressing the pedestal strength problem the prior art has added multiple layers of cardboard to the folded side(s) (that adds bulk and assembly/disassembly time) or creating a cross section that deviates from a weak flat side panel, such as for example a “V” type cross section to increase the bending inertia and thus the pedestal strength.

As a prior art example of the “V” type cross section to strengthen the weak flat side panel, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,414 to Bailey disclosed is a combination packable toilet and stool that is constructed from a cardboard flat pattern, see FIG. 4, and folded essentially into a cube having an open bottom and a removable lid top, see FIG. 1. The key feature in Bailey is in the “V” fold in the side panel, identified by fold line 41 and movement 105 as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 for a perspective view, and FIG. 9 for a top view. Bailey claims that these are support pillars having an inwardly angled orientation that are beneath the seat panels, essentially what Bailey is doing is adding a “corner” to the middle portion of the flat side panel for vertical support strength, as discussed above in the case of an individual standing upon a cardboard box, wherein the corners have increased strength in relation to the flat side panel portions. In addition, Bailey also has a double thickness side panel as can be depicted from FIG. 4, wherein there are five side flat pattern panels shown, with the end panels overlapping by interconnecting with the hole 52 and tab 54 arrangement, although the vertical support strength gain from merely doubling the side panels in marginal. It is interesting that Bailey only has 3 of the 4 panel sides reinforced, being 2 panels with the inward “V” cross section and one panel that is double in thickness, with the remaining panel as a single layer flat side. Continuing, as an example of a double corrugated cardboard wall for the flat panel side pedestal support see U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,301 to McGuire that discloses a disposable toilet wherein the double wall construction is integral, specifically referencing FIG. 4A as taken from FIG. 4. In McGuire the integral double wall construction design would have higher strength than Bailey's double folded over layer design, as in Bailey the adjacent layers would be able to slide as against one another, thus only doubling the wall strength, whereas in McGuire with the double layers being integral, the strength increase would be a function of the third power of the thickness increase or two (thicknesses) to the third power which equals eight times the strength. However, in McGuire the integral double thickness cardboard wall adds cost, weight, and bulkiness. Thus, in both Bailey and McGuire the issue of pedestal strength of the flat panel sides that are constructed of cardboard is recognized as Bailey and McGuire have structurally accommodated ways of increasing the strength of the flat panel side.

Further, in this same area looking at U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,623 to Fenoglio disclosed is a portable collapsible toilet that is also made from a flat form as shown in FIG. 2, and the issue of flat side panel strength is recognized in column 1, lines 38-41 which address the prior art problem of inadequate strength for a single foldable form to withstand the weight of a heavy adult. The approach to this side panel strength problem by Fenoglio has multiple aspects, the first being an option to construct the flat side panel of corrugated plastic sheet as opposed to corrugated cardboard, secondly to secure the free ends of the side panels with a continuous strip of adhesive as shown in FIG. 2, element 42 (although this would take away the ability to assemble and disassemble the toilet) as opposed to the hole and notch arrangement of Bailey and McGuire, and thirdly for Fenoglio to have flaps 60, looking at FIGS. 4 and 5 that are adjacent to the setting section 62 to support a claimed individual weight of up to 300 pounds. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,849,726 to Vay also disclosed is a portable commode that is also of a flat pattern foldable cardboard design utilizing again tab and hole interlocks for the side flat panels, also Vay does recognize the flat side panel strength problem in referring to column 4, lines 35-42 by the addition of base flaps 37, 38, and 39 as best shown in FIG. 1 which act to brace the bottom edge of the flat side panels (that can also be anchored into the earth) which adds some degree of strength to the flat side panel of which neither McGuire, Bailey, or Fenoglio have, meaning that McGuire, Bailey, or Fenoglio have only a “knife type” free edge on the bottom of the flat side panels, thus Vay has resistance along the bottom edge flat side panel to bending (adding strength to the flat side panel) whereas McGuire, Bailey, or Fenoglio have no additional resistance to bending on the bottom edges of the flat side panels.

There are other types of portable folding toilets that are constructed of materials other than cardboard, such as steel and plastic that are foldable and portable to some degree, however, having problems of higher weight and bulk than the cardboard or plastic cardboard portable toilets. The aspect here is that these steel and plastic portable toilets again implicitly recognize the pedestal strength problem by using a more rigid flat side panel material than cardboard. Some examples would be in U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,819 to Grimes that discloses a car carrier toilet pot for children having hinged side panels that are constructed of rigid plastic or plastic covered hardboard, see column 1, lines 47-50, and column 3, lines 39-43. Further, in this area see U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,719 to Karr that discloses a portable collapsible commode that utilizes multiple panels constructed of rigid plastic, wherein the panels interlock to one another for overall commode rigidity, see column 1, lines 45-49 and FIGS. 1 and 3. Also, in U.S. Pat. No. 1,026,413 to Sullivan disclosed is a latrine that has hinged rigid sheet metal panels, see line 69 and FIG. 1. In addition, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,826 to Devereux dislosed is a portable toilet in the form of a rigid walled traveling suitcase configuration, see column 2, lines 37-40 and FIG. 2. Finally, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,986,173 to Hickey disclosed is a toilet seat that has three removable legs that stow away within the toilet seat bottom portion, with the seat itself folding in two for enhanced portability.

Other types of portable toilets are not necessarily foldable, meaning that they have higher costs, excessive bulk, requiring higher shipping and storage volumes and most likely higher weights also. A few examples would be starting with U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,288 B2 to Suitsu that discloses a toilet seat that is adapted to attach to a standard five gallon plastic bucket opening, although Suitsu appears to be a simple solution to the requirement of a portable toilet, the need for a bulky and expensive five gallon plastic bucket is an obstacle to the use of the Suitsu portable toilet in either of the aforementioned leisure or emergency applications. See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,251 to Cost et al. and 5,806,109 to Hargaden that are both similar to Suitsu. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,393 B1 to Rinaldo disclosed is a combined portable stool and toilet that is in the form of a director's chair without the chair back that has an opening in the seat with a waste bag for use as a toilet. Rinaldo also has a weight and bulk problem, in addition to having a higher cost as related to portable foldable cardboard type toilets.

What is needed is a truly portable, with minimal bulk in a disassembled state portable toilet, that is foldable, or rolled, or lapped, and the like resulting in a lightweight toilet that can double as a seat in an assembled state being inexpensive to manufacture that structurally addresses the well recognized problem of pedestal strength required for the portable toilet. Additional features would include the ability to assemble and disassemble easily and quickly multiple times without the need for tools, and for the portable toilet to be either reusable or disposable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Broadly, the present invention is of a pedestal support seat apparatus that has a disassembled state and an assembled state that is adapted to be adjacent to a surface in the assembled state includes a planar element in the form of a strip having a lengthwise axis, the planar element also having a lengthwise side edge portion and an oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion that define a planar element width therebetween. The planar element also has an edge portion and an opposing end edge portion that define the planar element length therebetween. The planar element being substantially flexible parallel to the lengthwise axis between the oppositely disposed end edge portions and relatively substantially inflexible transverse to the lengthwise axis between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions. Also included is an end member that is sized and configured to removably engage the lengthwise side edge portion in the assembled state to form a substantially cylindrically shaped structure of the planar element defining an interior separate from an exterior environment. Thus, the lengthwise axis circumferentially spans the cylinder, wherein the pedestal support seat apparatus is operational to provide seat support substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise axis with the non end member engaged oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion being positioned adjacent to the surface.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the pedestal support seat apparatus in the assembled state with the aperture in a single end member with the planar element adjacent to the surface;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the end member with the aperture in the disassembled state;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the pedestal support seat apparatus in the assembled state without the aperture in the single end member with the planar element adjacent to the surface;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the end member without the aperture in the disassembled state;

FIG. 5 shows cross section view 5-5 from FIG. 4 of the end member;

FIG. 6 shows cross section view 6-6 from FIG. 2 of the end member;

FIG. 7 shows cross section view 7-7 from FIGS. 1 and 3 of the removable engagement between the end member and the lengthwise side edge portion of the planar element;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the pedestal support seat apparatus in the assembled state without the aperture in utilizing two end members, with one end member removably engaged to the lengthwise side edge portion of the planar element and the other end member removably engaged to the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion of the planar element;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the pedestal support seat apparatus in the assembled state with the aperture in utilizing two end members, with one end member removably engaged to the lengthwise side edge portion of the planar element including a waste bag, and the other end member removably engaged to the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion of the planar element;

FIG. 10 shows cross section 10-10 from FIG. 9 of the pedestal support seat apparatus in the assembled state with the aperture in utilizing two end members, with one end member removably engaged to the lengthwise side edge portion of the planar element including a waste bag, and the other end member removably engaged to the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion of the planar element;

FIG. 11 shows cross section 11-11 from FIG. 3 of the pedestal support seat apparatus in the assembled state without the aperture in the single end member with the planar element adjacent to the surface;

FIG. 12 shows cross section 12-12 from FIG. 1 of the pedestal support seat apparatus in the assembled state with the aperture in the single end member with the planar element adjacent to the surface;

FIG. 13 shows the FIG. 5 view of the end member without the aperture, with a plurality of the end members “nested” with one another for storage;

FIG. 14 shows the FIG. 6 view of the end member with the aperture, with a plurality of the end members “nested” with one another for storage;

FIG. 15 shows a flat pattern view of the planar element as an option for storage;

FIG. 16 shows a folded view of the planar element as an option for storage;

FIG. 17 shows a rolled up view of the planar element as an option for storage;

FIG. 18 shows cross section 18-18 from FIG. 15 parallel to the lengthwise axis of the planar element detailing the optional corrugations, flanges, and structural reinforcement beams associated with the planar element;

FIG. 19 shows cross section 19-19 from FIG. 18 parallel to the rotational axis of the planar element detailing the optional corrugations, flange, and structural reinforcement beams associated with the planar element;

FIG. 20 shows a lengthwise side edge portion view of the planar element in the assembled state having an Archimedes spiral configuration resulting in a plurality of adjacent lengthwise side edge portions of the planar element with the end member removably engaged to the opposing lengthwise side edge portion;

FIG. 21 shows the end edge portions that are adjacent to one another of the planar element including the optional means for removably fastening the opposing end edge portions in the form of a snap, clasp, clamp, or hook and loop fastener;

FIG. 22 shows a view similar to FIG. 11, of the seat device in the assembled state including the end seat without the aperture, wherein the end seat is sized and configured to be removably engaged to the hollow interior pedestal; and

FIG. 23 shows a view similar to FIG. 12, of the seat device in the assembled state including the end seat with the aperture, wherein the end seat is sized and configured to be removably engaged to the hollow interior pedestal.

REFERENCE NUMBERS IN DRAWINGS 30 Pedestal support seat apparatus 31 Surface 32 Planar element 34 Lengthwise axis of planar element 32 36 Rotational axis of planar element 32 38 Lengthwise side edge portion of planar element 32 40 Oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion of planar element 32 42 Width of planar element 32 44 End edge portion of planar element 32 46 Opposing end edge portion of planar element 32 48 Length of planar element 32 50 Flexibility of planar element 32 parallel to the lengthwise axis 34 52 Inflexibility of planar element 32 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36 54 End member 55 Inner diameter rim of end member 54 56 Removable engagement of the end member 54 to the lengthwise side edge portion 38 57 Overlapping lip of end member 54 58 Cylindrical shape of the planar element 32 in the assembled state 60 Interior of the planar element 32 in the assembled state 62 Exterior environment 64 Circumferential span of the lengthwise axis 34 around the cylindrical shape 58 66 Seat support of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 68 Non end member 54 engaged to the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 of planar element 32 adjacent to the surface 31 70 Removable engagement of the end member 54 to the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 72 Means for substantially removable anchoring the end member 54 or the planar element 32 oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 to the surface 31 74 Aperture of end member 54 76 Annular shape of end member 54 78 Communication from the exterior environment 62 to the interior 60 through the aperture 74 80 Nesting of end members 54 82 Waste bag 84 Open end portion of the waste bag 82 86 Oppositely disposed closed end portion of the waste bag 82 88 Side or seat of annular shaped end member 54 opposite of the lengthwise side edge portion 38 90 Refuse 92 Seat cover 94 Structural reinforcement beams 96 Plurality of adjacent planar element 32 layers 97 Plurality of adjacent lengthwise side edge portions 38 or 40 98 Archimedes spiral of planar element 32 100 Means for fastening the opposing end edge portions 44 and 46 102 Snap 104 Clamp 106 Clasp 108 Hook and loop fastener 110 Corrugation of the planar element 32 111 Corrugation flanges 112 Corrugation channels of the planar element 32 114 Seat device 115 End seat 116 Hollow interior pedestal 117 Assembled state of the seat device 114 and the hollow interior pedestal 116 118 First side of end seat 115 119 Aperture of end seat 115 120 Second side of end seat 115 121 Annular shape of the end seat 115 122 Concave recess portion of the first side 118 123 Interior of hollow interior pedestal 116 124 Convex seat portion of the second side 120 125 Removable engagement of the seat device 114 to the hollow interior pedestal 116 126 Disassembled state of the planar element 32 in a flat pattern 127 Communication from the exterior environment 62 to the interior 123 through the aperture 119 128 Strip form disassembled state of the planar element 32 130 Rolled up disassembled state of the planar element 32 132 Folded disassembled state of the planar element 32 134 Fold line of the planar element 32 136 Disassembled state of the end member 54 138 Assembled state of the end member 54 and the planar element 32 140 Structural reinforcement beams 94 adjacent to the planar element 32 141 Structural reinforcement beams 94 disposed within the corrugation channels 112 142 Assembled state of the planar element 32 144 Inner diameter rim of end seat of end seat 115 146 Overlapping lip on end seat 115 148 Staple 200 Providing the planar element 32 and the end member 54 202 Forming a substantially cylindrically 58 shaped structure from the planar element 32 204 Attaching the end member 54 to the planar element 32 206 Providing a plurality of structural reinforcement beams 94 208 Positioning the structural reinforcement beams 94 adjacent to the planar element 32 210 Providing end member 54 to removably engage 56 a plurality of adjacent 96 planar element 32 layers 212 Providing an additional end member 54 to removable engagement 70 214 Attaching the additional end member 54 to the removable engagement 70 216 Providing a means 100 for removably fastening the opposing end edge portions 44 and 46 218 Fastening the means 100 for removably fastening the opposing end edge portions 44 and 46 220 Providing end member 54 with aperture 74 222 Providing waste bag 82 224 Positioning the waste bag 82 in the aperture 74 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Broadly, with initial reference to FIG. 1 shown is a perspective view of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 in the assembled state 138 with the aperture 74 in a single end member 54 with the planar element 32 adjacent to the surface 31. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the end member 54 with the aperture 74 in the disassembled state 136. Continuing, FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 in the assembled state 138 without the aperture 74 in the single end member 54 with the planar element 32 adjacent to the surface 31 and FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the end member 54 without the aperture 74 in the disassembled state 136. Further, FIG. 5 shows cross section view 5-5 from FIG. 4 of the end member 54, FIG. 6 shows cross section view 6-6 from FIG. 2 of the end member 54, and FIG. 7 shows cross section view 7-7 from FIGS. 1 and 3 of the removable engagement 56 between the end member 54 and the lengthwise side edge portion 38 of the planar element 32. Next, FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 in the assembled state 138 without the aperture 74 in utilizing two end members 54, with one end member 54 removably engaged 56 to the lengthwise side edge portion 38 of the planar element 32 and the other end member 54 removably engaged 70 to the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 of the planar element 32. In addition, the aperture 74 can be various diameters and configurations as far as shape as to accommodate the comfort of the user of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30.

Subsequently, FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 in the assembled state 138 with the aperture 74 in utilizing two end members 54, with one end member 54 removably engaged to the lengthwise side edge portion 38 of the planar element 32 including a waste bag 82, and the other end member 54 removably engaged 70 to the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 of the planar element 32. Moving onward, FIG. 10 shows cross section 10-10 from FIG. 9 of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 in the assembled state 138 with the aperture 74 in utilizing two end members 54, with one end member 54 removably engaged 56 to the lengthwise side edge portion 38 of the planar element 32 including a waste bag 82, and the other end member 54 removably engaged 70 to the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 of the planar element 32. Further, FIG. 11 shows cross section 11-11 from FIG. 3 of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 in the assembled state 138 without the aperture 74 in the single end member 54 with the planar element 32 adjacent to the surface 31. Next, FIG. 12 shows cross section 12-12 from FIG. 1 of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 in the assembled state 138 with the aperture 74 in the single end member 54 with the planar element 32 adjacent to the surface 31.

Continuing, FIG. 13 shows the FIG. 5 view of the end member 54 without the aperture 74, with a plurality of the end members 54 “nested” 80 with one another for storage and FIG. 14 shows the FIG. 6 view of the end member 54 with the aperture 74, with a plurality of the end members 54 “nested” 80 with one another for storage. Yet further, FIG. 15 shows a flat pattern view of the planar element 32 in the disassembled state 126 in the strip form 128 as an option for storage of the planar element 32 and FIG. 16 shows a disassembled folded view state 132 of the planar element 32 folded at fold lines 134 as another option for storage of the planar element 32. Continuing further, FIG. 17 shows a rolled up view state 130 of the planar element 32 as yet another option for storage of the planar element 32. Subsequently, FIG. 18 shows cross section 18-18 from FIG. 15 parallel to the lengthwise axis 34 of the planar element 32 detailing the optional corrugations 110, corrugation flanges 111, and structural reinforcement beams 94 associated with the planar element 32. Continuing, FIG. 19 shows cross section 19-19 from FIG. 18 parallel to the rotational axis 36 of the planar element 32 detailing the optional corrugations 110, corrugation flanges 111, and structural reinforcement beams 94 associated with the planar element 32.

Next, FIG. 20 shows a lengthwise side edge portion 38 view of the planar element 32 in the assembled state 138 and 142 having an Archimedes spiral 98 configuration resulting in a plurality 97 of adjacent lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40 of the planar element 32 with the end member 54 removably engaged 70 to the opposing lengthwise side edge portion 40 of the planar element 32. Following, FIG. 21 shows the end edge portions 44 and 46 that are adjacent to one another of the planar element 32 including the means 100 for removable fastening the opposing end edge portions 44 and 46 in the form of a snap 102, clasp 104, clamp 106, or hook and loop fastener 108 with the pedestal support apparatus 30 in the assembled state 138. Further following, FIG. 22 shows a view similar to FIG. 11, of the seat device 114 in the assembled state 117 including the end seat 115 without the aperture 119, wherein the end seat 115 is sized and configured to be removably engaged 125 to the hollow interior pedestal 116. Finally, FIG. 23 shows a view similar to FIG. 12, of the seat device 114 in the assembled state 117 including the end seat 115 with the aperture 119, wherein the end seat 115 is sized and configured to be removably engaged 125 to the hollow interior pedestal 116.

The pedestal support seat apparatus 30 has the disassembled state 126 of the planar element 32 as shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17, and the disassembled state 136 of the end member 54 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and an assembled state 138 of the planar element 32 and the end member 54, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, wherein the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 is adapted to be adjacent to a surface 31. The pedestal seat apparatus 30 broadly includes the planar element 32 in the form of a strip 128 as best shown in the disassembled state 126 or as a flat pattern in referencing FIG. 15, having the lengthwise axis 34 and the rotational axis 36, the planar element 32 also having the lengthwise side edge portion 38 and the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 defining a planar element width 42 therebetween. The planar element 32 also having the end edge portion 44 and the opposing end edge portion 46 defining a planar element 32 length 48 therebetween, wherein the planar element 32 being substantially flexible 50 parallel to the lengthwise axis 34 between the oppositely disposed end edge portions 44 and 46 and relatively substantially inflexible 52 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36 between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40. The pedestal seat apparatus 30 also includes the end member 54 that is sized and configured to removably engage 56 the lengthwise side edge portion 38 in the assembled state 138 to form a substantially cylindrically shaped structure 58 of the planar element 32 defining an interior 60 separate from an exterior environment 62, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The lengthwise axis 34 circumferentially 64 spans the planar element 32 in the form of the cylinder 58, wherein the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 is operational to provide seat support 66 substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 34 with a non or no end member 54 engaged 68 to the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 that is adjacent to the surface 31 as best shown in FIG. 3.

As an option, the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 can further include an additional end member 54 that removably engages 70 the lengthwise side edge portion 40 that is oppositely disposed of the previously removably engaged 56 end member 54, wherein the additional end member 54 is adjacent to the surface 31 and is operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility 52 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36 between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40, as best depicted in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. As an additional option, the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 can further include a means 72 for substantially removably anchoring the end member 54 or the planar element 32 oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 to the surface 31. This means 72 can include a stake, an anchor, an auger, or the like as is known in the art to removably anchor the end member 54 or the planar element 32 oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 to a surface 31, wherein the surface can be earth, concrete, asphalt or the like, see FIGS. 1, 3, 8, and 9. Another pedestal support seat apparatus 30 option is to have the end member 54 and/or additional end member 54 include the substantially centrally located aperture 74, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, resulting in the end member being substantially annular 76 in shape, with the aperture 74 operational to allow communication 78 from the exterior environment 62 to the interior 60, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 10. If the end member 54 does not have the optional aperture 74, again as best shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, then the end member 54 functions as a human seat 66 or general support in combination with the planar element 32, referring specifically to FIG. 3 with the pedestal support apparatus 30 in the assembled state 138. The end member 54 can have an outer diameter rim 55 of about twelve (12) inches, further, an overlapping lip 57 ranging from about one-half (½) to one (1) inch extending from the outer diameter rim 55, see FIGS. 7 and 10, substantially forms the removable engagement 56 or 70 from the resiliency of the end member 54 and the resiliency of the planar element 32, noting that the rim 55 and the lip 57 could be other than the previously stated dimensions as long as the functional requirements of the removable engagement 56 and 70 are satisfied. In addition, the aperture 74 can be various diameters and configurations as far as shape as to accommodate the comfort of the user of the pedestal support seat apparatus.

Further, to enhance storage capabilities of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 as an option a plurality of end members 54 can be included that are sized and configured to nest with one another as best shown in FIG. 13 for the end member 54 without the aperture 74 and as best shown in FIG. 14 for the end member 54 with the aperture 74 wherein the nesting can be enhanced due to the resiliency of the end member 54. In the case of utilizing the end member 54 with the aperture 74 an optional waste bag 82 can be added for the purpose of retaining refuse 90, specifically in referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 the waste bag 82 includes an open end portion 84 and an oppositely disposed closed end portion 86. The waste bag 82 is positioned through the aperture 74, wherein the waste bag 82 is opened up at the open end portion 84 and draped over a side 88 of the annular 76 shaped end member 54 opposite of the lengthwise side edge portion 38 of the planar element 32. The waste bag 82 is operational to substantially retain refuse 90 at the closed end portion 86 and provide a seat cover 92 at the waste bag 82 open end portion 84 utilizing the end member 54. In addition the end member 54 is preferably constructed of polyethylene, polypropylene or polyurethane materials or any other alternative materials that are weatherproof and have adequate strength to be functional as a human seat or general support.

As an alternative optional configuration for the planar element 32 a plurality of structural reinforcement beams 94 can be added to the planar element 32, see FIGS. 18 and 19, wherein the structural reinforcement beams 94 are adjacent to the planar element 32 spanning between the opposing lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40, see FIG. 15. The structural reinforcement beams 94 are operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility 52 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36 between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40. The structural reinforcement beams 94 can assume any number of cross sectional configurations from round, as shown in FIG. 18, to square, rectangular, elliptical, I-Beam, or any other cross section configuration that would meet the functional requirements of adding strength of increased inflexibility 52 as previously described. As FIG. 18 shows the reinforcement beams 94 can be disposed 141 within the optional corrugation channel 112 or can simply be adjacent 140 to the planar element 32 while in any case the reinforcement beam 94 still spanning the planar element 32 between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40 as best shown in FIG. 15. In looking specifically at FIG. 18 for the cross section of the planar element 32, optional corrugations 110 are sandwiched between the optional flanges 111, wherein as two flanges are shown, as an option a single flange 111 could be used that would be adjacent to either side of the corrugation 110 that would still allow the structural reinforcement beam 94 to be either disposed within 141 the corrugation 110 channel 112 or for the structural reinforcement beam 94 to be adjacent to the planar element 32, again referring to FIG. 18. Although the planar element 32 is preferably constructed of a corrugation 110 and having at least a single flange 111 from FIG. 18 and utilizing the materials of polyethylene, polypropylene and polyurethane, other materials of construction and configurations would be acceptable that are weatherproof and meet the previously discussed functional requirements of flexibility 50 and inflexibility 52 with adequate strength to function as a human seat or general support.

Further, as another option to strengthen the planar element 32 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36 thereby adding to the inflexibility 52, referring specifically to FIG. 20, the end member 54 is sized and configured to removably engage 56 a plurality 96 of adjacent planar element 32 layers having a plurality of adjacent lengthwise side edge portions 97, also shown are the structural reinforcement beams 94 disposed 141 within the corrugation channels 112. Wherein the planar element 32, in referring to FIG. 15 is sized and configured to have sufficient length 48 between the opposing end edge portions 44 and 46 to facilitate a plurality 96 of adjacent planar element 32 layers when the planar element 32 is in the substantially cylindrical 58 shape such that the planar element 32 forms an Archimedes spiral 98 as viewed from the lengthwise side edge portions 39 and 40, again referring to FIG. 20. Thus, the plurality 96 of adjacent planar element 32 layers are operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility 52 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36 between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40. Additionally, to also increase strength to the planar element 32 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to he rotational axis 36 thereby adding to the inflexibility 52, referring specifically to FIG. 21, an optional means 100 for fastening the opposing end edge portions 44 and 46 from one another can be added, wherein the means 100 is operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility 52 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36 between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40. The means 100 can be a snap 102, a clamp 104, a clasp 106, a hook and loop fastener 108, a staple 148, or any other alternative removable or permanent fastener that can perform a like function and be suitably weatherproof.

As an alternative embodiment, referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the end seat 115 can be adapted to removably engage 125 a hollow interior pedestal 116 that can be in the form of a standard five gallon plastic pail or any other similar pedestal that is weatherproof, is hollow, and is about the right height and strength to be used as a human seat or general support. Thus, the end seat 115 could function as a seat device 114 having an option to not have the aperture 119, as in FIG. 22 or to have the aperture 119, as in FIG. 23. Thus, the seat device 114 is adapted to removably engage 125 the hollow interior pedestal 116, wherein the seat device 114 includes an end seat 115 having a first side 118 and an oppositely disposed second side 120, the first side 118 having a concave 122 recess that removably engages 125 the pedestal 116 and the second side 120 that is adapted to be a seat in the exterior environment 62. The end seat 115 can have an outer diameter rim 144 of about twelve (12) inches to adequately cover the typical 5 gallon bucket shown as a hollow interior pedestal 116 referring to FIGS. 22 and 23. Further, an overlapping lip 146 range from about one-half (½) to one (1) inch extending from the outer diameter rim 144, again see FIGS. 22 and 23, substantially forms the removable engagement 125 from the resiliency of the end seat 115 and the resiliency of the hollow pedestal 116, noting that the rim 144 and the lip 146 could be other than the previously stated dimensions as long as the functional requirements of the removable engagement 125 are satisfied. In addition, the aperture 119 can be various diameters and configurations as far as shape as to accommodate the comfort of the user of the seat device 114.

As previously discussed, the end seat 115 can optionally have the substantially centrally located aperture 119, resulting in the end seat 115 being substantially annular 121 in shape, with the aperture 119 operational to allow communication 127 from the exterior environment 62 to the interior 123, as shown in FIG. 23. In addition, the seat device 114 can have an optional waste bag 82 having an open end portion 84 and an oppositely disposed closed end portion 86, the waste bag 82 is positioned through the aperture 119, wherein the waste bag 82 is opened up at the open end portion 84 and draped over a side 120 of the annular 121 shaped end seat 115 opposite of the pedestal 116, wherein the waste bag open end portion 84 functions as a seat cover on side 120. The waste bag 82 is operational to substantially retain refuse 90 at the closed end portion 86 and provide the seat cover 92 at the waste bag open end portion 84 utilizing the end seat 115, in referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 for detail on the waste bag 82 with the exception that the planar element 32 is replaced by the hollow interior pedestal 116 for the most part. In addition, the end seat 115 can be nested as previously described for the end member 54 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 with and without the optional aperture 119, wherein the nesting can be enhanced due to the resiliency of the end seat 115.

Method of Use

A method is disclosed for the assembling of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30, that includes the steps of providing 200 a planar element 32 in a disassembled state 126, the planar element 32 is the form of a strip 128 having a lengthwise axis 34, with the planar element 32 having a lengthwise side edge portion 38 and an oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 defining a planar element width 42 therebetween. The planar element 32 also having an end edge portion 44 and an opposing end edge portion 46 defining a planar element length 48 therebetween, as best shown in FIG. 15. The planar element 32 being substantially flexible 50 parallel to the lengthwise axis 34 between the oppositely disposed end edge portions 44 and 46 and relatively substantially inflexible 52 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36 between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40. The planar element 32 in the disassembled state can either be optionally rolled up 130 in a rotational axis 36 substantially transverse to the lengthwise axis 34, see FIG. 17, or folded 132 wherein a fold line 134 is substantially transverse to the lengthwise axis 34, see FIG. 16, or in the flat pattern state 126, see FIG. 15. Also provided in step 200 is the separate end member 54 being in a disassembled state 136, see FIGS. 4 and 5, the end member 54 is sized and configured to removably engage 56 the lengthwise side edge portion 38 in the assembled state 138 as shown in FIG. 3. Further, a next step is in forming 202 a substantially cylindrically 58 shaped structure of the planar element 32, see FIG. 3, defining an interior 60 separate from an exterior environment 62, wherein the lengthwise axis 34 circumferentially spans 64 the cylinder 58.

A next step is in attaching 204 the end member 54 to removably engage 56 the lengthwise side edge portion 38 of the planar element 32, wherein the end member 54 is operational to substantially retain the cylindrically 58 shaped structure of the planar element 32 in the assembled state 138 as shown in FIG. 3. Wherein the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 is operational to provide seat support 66 or general support substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 34 with the non end member 54 engaged to the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion 40 adjacent to the surface 31. As an optional further step providing 206 a plurality or structural reinforcement beams 94 and positioning 208 the structural reinforcement beams 94 adjacent to the planar element 32, with the structural reinforcement beams 94 spanning between the lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40, as shown in FIGS. 15, 18, and 19. With the structural reinforcement beams 94 being operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility 52 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36, between the opposite disposed lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40. Thus, the structural reinforcement beams 94 adding seat 66 strength or general support as between the seat 66 and the surface 31 to the assembled pedestal seat support apparatus 30, as shown in FIG. 3, and also could be applied to the pedestal seat support apparatus 30 having the aperture 74 in the end member 54 as shown in FIG. 1, and applied as well to the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 utilizing two end members 54, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10.

As a further option, a step could be added to provide the end member 54 to be sized and configured to removably engage 56 a plurality of adjacent planar element 32 layers 96 having a plurality of adjacent lengthwise side edge portions 97, see FIG. 20, and providing the planar element 32 to be sized and configured to have sufficient length 48 between the opposing end edge portions 44 and 46, see FIG. 15. This length 48 would be to facilitate a plurality of adjacent planar element 32 layers 96 when the planar element 32 is formed into the substantially cylindrical 56 shape such that the planar element 32 forms an Archimedes spiral 98 as viewed from the lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40. The plurality of adjacent planar element 32 layers 96 are operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility 52 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36, between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40. Thus, the plurality of adjacent planar element 32 layers 96 are adding seat 66 strength or general support as between the seat 66 and the surface 31 to the assembled pedestal seat support apparatus 30, as shown in FIG. 3, and also could be applied to the pedestal seat support apparatus 30 having the aperture 74 in the end member 54 as shown in FIG. 1, and applied as well to the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 utilizing two end members 54, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10.

As a yet further option, a step could be added to provide 212 an additional end member 54 then attaching 214 the additional end member 54 that removably engages 70 the lengthwise side edge portion 40 that is oppositely disposed of the previously removably engaged 56 end member 54. Wherein the additional end member 54 is adjacent to the surface 31, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, and is operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility 52 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36, between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40. Thus the added end member 54 adds seat 66 strength or general support as between the seat 66 and the surface 31 to the assembled pedestal seat support apparatus 30, and also could be applied to the pedestal seat support apparatus 30 having the aperture 74 in the end member 54 as shown in FIG. 1. As a yet further option, a step could be added to provide 216 a means 100 for removably fastening the opposing end edge portions 44 and 46 from one another and fastening 218 the opposing said end edge portions 44 and 46 when the planar element 32 is in the assembled state 142 being substantially cylindrical 58 or in combination with the end member 54 in the assembled state 138, all as best shown in FIG. 21. Wherein the means 100 for removably fastening the opposing end edge portions 44 and 46 from one another is operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility 52 transverse to the lengthwise axis 34 or parallel to the rotational axis 36, between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions 38 and 40. Thus, the means 100 for removably fastening the opposing end edge portions 44 and 46 from one another adds seat 66 strength or general support as between the seat 66 and the surface 31 to the assembled pedestal seat support apparatus 30, as shown in FIG. 3, and also could be applied to the pedestal seat support apparatus 30 having the aperture 74 in the end member 54 as shown in FIG. 1, and applied as well to the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 utilizing two end members 54, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10.

As a yet further option, a step could be added to provide 220 the end member 54 that includes a substantially centrally located aperture 74, resulting in the end member 54 being substantially annular 76 in shape, with the aperture 74 being operational to allow communication 78 from the exterior environment 62 to said interior 60 through the aperture 74, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 9, 10, and 12. Further, to the aforementioned step 220 an additional optional step 222 of providing a waste bag 82 having an open end portion 84 and an oppositely disposed closed end portion 86, then a step of positioning 224 the waste bag 82 through the aperture 74, as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Wherein the waste bag 82 is opened up at the open end portion 84 and draped over a side 88 of the annular 76 shaped end member 54 opposite of the lengthwise side edge portion 38 of the planar element 32. The waste bag 82 is operational to substantially retain refuse 90 at the closed end portion 86 and provide a seat cover 92 at the waste bag open end portion 84 utilizing the end member 54, wherein the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 can be used as a toilet, trash receptacle, or a container for any type of refuse 90 that can be disposed of using the replaceable waste bag 82.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, the present invention of the pedestal support seat apparatus 30 has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so modifications of the changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained therein. 

1. A pedestal support seat apparatus having a disassembled state and an assembled state that is adapted to be adjacent to a surface, comprising: (a) a planar element in the form of a strip having a lengthwise axis, said planar element having a lengthwise side edge portion and an oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion defining a planar element width therebetween, said planar element also having an end edge portion and an opposing end edge portion defining a planar element length therebetween, said planar element being substantially flexible parallel to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed end edge portions and relatively substantially inflexible transverse to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions; and (b) an end member that is sized and configured to removably engage said lengthwise side edge portion in the assembled state to form a substantially cylindrically shaped structure of said planar element defining an interior separate from an exterior environment, wherein said lengthwise axis circumferentially spans said cylinder, wherein said pedestal support seat apparatus is operational to provide seat support substantially perpendicular to said lengthwise axis with a non end member engaged to said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion adjacent to the surface.
 2. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a means for substantially removable anchoring said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion of said planar element to the surface.
 3. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an additional end member that removably engages said lengthwise side edge portion that is oppositely disposed of said removably engaged end member, wherein said additional end member is adjacent to the surface and is operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility transverse to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions.
 4. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising a means for substantially removably anchoring said end member to the surface.
 5. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said additional end member includes a substantially centrally located aperture, resulting in said end member being substantially annular in shape, said aperture operational to allow communication from the exterior environment to said interior.
 6. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising a plurality of end members that are sized and configured to nest with one another.
 7. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of end members that are sized and configured to nest with one another.
 8. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said end member includes a substantially centrally located aperture, resulting in said end member being substantially annular in shape, said aperture is operational to allow communication from the exterior environment to said interior.
 9. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 8 further comprising a waste bag having an open end portion and an oppositely disposed closed end portion, said waste bag is positioned through said aperture, wherein said waste bag is opened up at said open end portion and draped over a side of said annular shaped end member opposite of said lengthwise side edge portion of said planar element, said waste bag is operational to substantially retain refuse at said closed end portion and provide a seat cover at said waste bag open end portion utilizing said end member.
 10. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of structural reinforcement beams that are adjacent to said planar element spanning between said opposing lengthwise side edge portions, said structural reinforcement beams are operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility transverse to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions.
 11. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said end member is sized and configured to removably engage a plurality of adjacent planar element layers having a plurality of adjacent lengthwise side edge portions and wherein said planar element sized and configured to have sufficient length between said opposing end edge portions to facilitate a plurality of adjacent planar element layers when said planar element is in said substantially cylindrical shape such that said planar element forms an Archimedes spiral as viewed from said lengthwise side edge portions, said plurality of adjacent planar element layers are operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility transverse to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions.
 12. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a means for removably fastening said opposing end edge portions from one another, wherein said means is operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility transverse to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions.
 13. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said means for fastening is selected from a group consisting essentially of a snap, a clamp, a clasp, a staple, and a hook and loop fastener.
 14. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said end member is constructed of materials selected from the group consisting essentially of polyethylene, polypropylene and polyurethane materials.
 15. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said planar element is made from a corrugated material, wherein a plurality of corrugation channels are substantially transverse to said lengthwise axis.
 16. A pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 15 further comprising a plurality of structural reinforcement beams that are substantially disposed within said corrugation channels, said structural reinforcement beams are operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility transverse to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions.
 17. A seat device adapted to removably engage a hollow interior pedestal, comprising: (a) an end member including a first side and an oppositely disposed second side, said first side having a concave recess that removably engages the pedestal and said second side is adapted to be a seat in an exterior environment.
 18. A seat device according to claim 17 wherein said end member includes a substantially centrally located aperture, resulting in said end member being substantially annular in shape, said aperture operational to allow communication from the exterior environment to said interior.
 19. A seat device according to claim 18 further comprising a waste bag having an open end portion and an oppositely disposed closed end portion, said waste bag is positioned through said aperture, wherein said waste bag is opened up at said open end portion and draped over a side of said annular shaped end member opposite of the pedestal, said waste bag is operational to substantially retain refuse at said closed end portion and provide a seat cover at said waste bag open end portion utilizing said end member.
 20. A method of assembling a pedestal support seat apparatus, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a planar element in a disassembled state, said planar element in the form of a strip having a lengthwise axis, said planar element having a lengthwise side edge portion and an oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion defining a planar element width therebetween, said planar element also having an end edge portion and an opposing end edge portion defining a planar element length therebetween, said planar element being substantially flexible parallel to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed end edge portions and relatively substantially inflexible transverse to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions, said planar element in said disassembled state can either be rolled up in a rotational axis substantially transverse to said lengthwise axis or folded, wherein a fold line is substantially transverse to said lengthwise axis and a separate end member being in a disassembled state, said end member is sized and configured to removably engage said lengthwise side edge portion in the assembled state; (b) forming a substantially cylindrically shaped structure of said planar element defining an interior separate from an exterior environment, wherein said lengthwise axis circumferentially spans said cylinder; and (c) attaching said end member to removably engage said lengthwise side edge portion of said planar element, wherein said end member is operational to substantially retain said cylindrically shaped structure of said planar element, wherein said pedestal support seat apparatus is operational to provide seat support substantially perpendicular to said lengthwise axis with a non end member engaged to said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion adjacent to a surface.
 21. A method of assembling a pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 20 further comprising the steps of providing a plurality of structural reinforcement beams and positioning said structural reinforcement beams adjacent to said planar element spanning between said lengthwise side edge portions, said structural reinforcement beams are operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility transverse to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions.
 22. A method of assembling a pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 20 further comprising the steps of providing said end member to be sized and configured to removably engage a plurality of adjacent planar element layers having a plurality of adjacent lengthwise side edge portions and providing said planar element to be sized and configured to have sufficient length between said opposing end edge portions to facilitate a plurality of adjacent planar element layers when said planar element is formed into said substantially cylindrical shape such that said planar element forms an Archimedes spiral as viewed from said lengthwise side edge portions, said plurality of adjacent planar element layers are operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility transverse to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions.
 23. A method of assembling a pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 20 further comprising the steps of providing an additional end member than attaching said additional end member that removably engages said lengthwise side edge portion that is oppositely disposed of said removably engaged end member, wherein said additional end member is adjacent to the surface and is operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility transverse to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions.
 24. A method of assembling a pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 20 further comprising the steps of providing a means for removably fastening said opposing end edge portions from one another and fastening said opposing said end edge portions when said planar element is in said assembled state being substantially cylindrical, wherein said means is operational to further add strength or increased inflexibility transverse to said lengthwise axis between said oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions.
 25. A method of assembling a pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 20 further comprising the step of providing said end member that includes a substantially centrally located aperture, resulting in said end member being substantially annular in shape, said aperture being operational to allow communication from the exterior environment to said interior.
 26. A method of assembling a pedestal support seat apparatus according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of providing a waste bag having an open end portion and an oppositely disposed closed end portion, then positioning said waste bag through said aperture, wherein said waste bag is opened up at said open end portion and draped over a side of said annular shaped end member opposite of said lengthwise side edge portion of said planar element, said waste bag is operational to substantially retain refuse at said closed end portion and provide a seat cover at said waste bag open end portion utilizing said end member. 